Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Where do we swim?
We swim at the Spring Creek Forest neighborhood swimming pool. This pool is located at SCF clubhouse, 17515 Fairway Oaks Drive, Spring, TX, 77379. Practices are held at this facility as well as any home meets. The pool has five racing lanes.
How often are the meets?
There are 5 regulars meets during the season, plus 1 divisional meets for a total of six meets. Your swimmer may also qualify for an additional swim meet based on their best times in individual events during the previous swim meets. This additional meet brings together the top swimmers in Northwest Harris County to compete against one another at the Ponderosa Invitational.
How long does a swim meet last?
Depending on the size of the teams, swimmers report to the meet pool at 7:00am and the meet is usually over around 2pm in the afternoon, if you have to stay for all events. If for any reason have to leave a meet early, it is imperative that you notify your swimmers team parent. This is very important to the relays which occur toward the end of the meet.
How much does it cost?
Starting in 2011, each swimmer under the age of 14 will cost $120. Swimmers ages 15-18 are $35 to join the team. For this fee, each swimmer will also receive the team suit, a swim cap, and a team bag for their gear.
Non-Spring Creek Forest residents pay $25 per family which goes to the SCF Homeowners Association.
What do I need to buy for my swimmer?
A swimsuit will be provided as part of the registration fees starting in 2011. This suite must be worn at official NWAL meets, but not practice. Goggles, tinted smoke or blue only, are recommended. If you purchase goggles, do not buy those with yellow or clear lenses. Those are for indoor pool use only. Swim caps are mandatory for all female swimmers. Any male swimmer whose hair is long will be required to wear a swim cap as well. Swim caps will be worn during all practices and meets. A swim cap will be provided with your registration.
Is my child a good enough swimmer to be on a swim team?
Your swimmer must be able to swim across the length of the pool (25 meters). They may pause on the lane rope if needed, but they cannot push themselves down the pool by using the ropes. Even if your child does NOT make the meet team, they may still come to practice. It is important to understand our refund policy on this matter (see below).
Can I get a Refund?
Refunds of registration fees will be given according to the following schedule:
Up to and including the first day of practice 100%
During the first week of practice 75%
During the second week of practice 50%
After the second week of practice 0%
Non-SCF Resident Fee and Late Fee are non-refundable.
What is a volunteer deposit fee?
Before the practice meet, a volunteer deposit fee of $250 will be collected and held. When a family has worked their assigned volunteer shift requirements, your check will be returned. Please contact the Treasurer to reclaim your deposit.
Will there be food at the meet?
Yes. Concession revenue is vital in keeping our costs down for the swim team. We highly encourage you to take advantage of our food items at both home and away meets. You may want to bring some light snacks for your family, or any specialty items your child likes or requires. However, do plan on eating a breakfast and lunch item through our concession area - it's good stuff. At a home meet, we typically have breakfast tacos in the morning and for lunch there will be grilled items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts. We also have plenty of Pizza brought in for your hungry swimmers and family.
Does everyone get to swim in a swim meet?
Yes. Your child may swim in as little as 1 event, but no more than 3 individual events and 2 relay events, totaling 5 events maximum. What your swimmer will swim is primarily determined at our practice meet and then their times at the remaining meets. The FINAL authority over what your child will swim at a meet is made by the coaches.
We live in a nearby neighborhood, can we swim on your team?
The SCF Sharks is an 'open' swim team. This means that your swimmer can come and swim on our team ONLY if the neighborhood you live in does not have a team competing in the NWAL, the NorthWest Aquatic League. If your neighborhood does have a team which competes in NWAL, your swimmer must swim for that team.
What do you expect of parents?
We expect our parents to make sure their swimmers get to practice and meets on time and volunteer to work at the swim meets. There are no paid positions with the SCF Sharks swim team, so volunteer coordination and participation is essential. Please remember, that if you do not fulfill your volunteer requirements, you will forfeit your $250 deposit.
Should my child wear the team suit during swim practice?
This is up to each family to decide. Many parents do believe that a child should get used to swimming at practice in the same suit they will use at the meet. This may be especially true for the younger swimmers. In general, wearing the team suite is not required at practice.
How do I choose the right goggles?
Goggles are necessary, but there is no one best kind. The best plan is to take your child to a swim shop and let them try on several and see which goggle fits best. Generally speaking, like with many items, the better goggles do cost more money, but you should be able to find an excellent pair for under $20. Smoked gray or blue goggles are used for outdoor swimming. You can locate a swim shop in our Links section.
Do you have pep rallies for the swimmer?
Yes. The SCF Sharks have a pep rally before each meet at the SCF pool facility. The food and the theme of the party is different for each pep rally.
Will my child have to dive from a diving block?
Yes. Each facility has starting platforms which are between 18 to 30 inches above the water line. Currently, the SCF Sharks use a 30" starting platform. The 6 and under swimmers may choose to jump in the water next to the starting block.
Some say your SCF Pool is shorter?
The SCF Pool is not a standard 25 yard or 25 meter pool. Pool records are kept as the actual time swum in our pool. Team records are converted to a standard 25-yard time. Team records may be established at any meet.
Time Conversions SCF Pool Actual Time to Yard Time=SCF time x (0.9404)
SCF Pool Actual Time to Meter Time=SCF Time x (1.0285)
Yard Time to Meter Time=Yard Time x (1.11)
Meter Time to Yard Time=Meter Time / (1.11)
I did not the results, what does it all mean?
Like any sport or discipline, swimming has its own jargon, acronyms, and rules. You can gain an better understanding of the swim meet results by first revieing this attachment.
I want to know more, what do I do next?
You should make certain you have fully ready the SCF Shark Handbook. If you still have questions, please contact a member of the Board.
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